Forgive the swearing but I bloody did invent the term!! Ask the old timers on the Stones Mailing List.
For the record, here's my response, minus the unnecessarily rude front bit that I'm sure FourWinds will delight in quoting for me.
He doesn't understand what a megarak is, so allow me:
The term was based not in trainspotting but in Offshore Radio of the 1960s to 1980s, the latter times of which I was quite heavily involved. I don't know any trainspotters so I can't speak for them.
To learn more, go to the quite excellent
http://www.anoraknation.com , specifically
What is an anorak?
http://www.anoraknation.com /knowledge/free_radio/000002.html
It's popular misconception that the 'anorak' is not a spiritual creature. Anoraks follow the concept of 'Loving Awareness' propogated by Radio Caroline
http://www.anoraknation.com /knowledge/radio_caroline/000006.html
Similarly, the concept of a megarak is based deeply in emotions and connectedness, if not 'spirituality' per se. Speaking for myself as coiner of the term, and thus the founding megarak:
Megaraks are fascinated by the connection between ancient and modern technology. Megalithic sites and artefacts such as the gold cup on TV this evening (excellent program I thought BTW - they have redeemed themselves in my book) are evidence of the first technology. We are the same people that created that technology. I'm sure their technology was intertwined with 'magic'. The best of ours is too. Their sites vied with each other for their clever design and grew more sophisticated over time. There's a parallel there.
Megaraks are inclusive. We are deeply interested in modern forms of stone-circlery and paganism even if we don't necessarily go off dressing up in cloaks and waving our arms around, as we are usually quiet people.
We are tolerant of alternative views and other users of the countryside (with the exception of the 4x4 offroad driving fraternity!). We are intolerant of idolatry, cliques and intolerant people.
We deeply object to the ingrained term 'Monuments' (notice I never EVER use that word) and would like it struck from the terminology. We are also very sceptical about 'Heritage', my second least favourite word. What does this tell you about our belief in the subject's connectedness with the present?
I've heard and read Michael Dames and I find him the least convincing of the serious 'Earth Mysteries' writers. Like a lot of things, megaraks were a spinoff from the 'Ley Hunter' magazine (which was mostly not about Ley Lines, or Hunting them - don't let's start on that one again).
Megaraks most want people to respect and inform themselves about ancient sites. This is our primary purpose. Yes we like to observe and record, this is true, but out of our desire to pass on information to others, and not to change the site, but let the site change us.
Given all the above, it should be clear that the Stones Mailing List is the true home of the Megarak. This is where the word was born. I'm especially tickled to see it passing seriously into the language. Next stop the Oxford English Dictionary!
The only bit Tombo gets right is that a megarak is someone with an ironic sense of humour.
The people Tombo derides are actually called Pokemonolithiacs (gotta catch 'em all) and we love them as well. Come on people, help us 'catch' them all!
